Fly in 'Fifi,' other warbirds at Summit

October 2, 2013

ByAlyssa J. Miller

Step back in time with rumbling radial war machines at AOPA Aviation Summit. The Commemorative Air Force AirPower History Tour and Cavanaugh Flight Museum will have warbirds on display and give flights throughout the event in Fort Worth, Texas.

Leading the warbird lineup is the Commemorative Air Force’s B-29 Superfortress, Fifi. Summit attendees can book a seat through the Commemorative Air Force AirPower Tour website to receive a discount, or purchase a ticket in person at Summit’s Airportfest at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport. Rides will be given Oct. 9 and 10. Costs for Fifi range from $575 to $1,595 depending on the seat purchased (bombardier, cockpit, or gunner) and whether the ticket was purchased online or in person.

The Commemorative Air Force also will give rides in a B-24 Liberator ($399 at the event) and C-45 Expediter ($75 at the event, $145 to sit in the copilot seat). On Oct. 11, the AirPower Tour will depart Summit for the Commemorative Air Force’s Airsho in Midland, Texas, to celebrate the group’s fiftieth airshow anniversary.

During the second half of Summit, Cavanaugh Flight Museum will be offering flights in the H-13B "Sioux," made famous by M*A*S*H; North American AT-6SNJ; PT17 Stearman; and Travel Air on Oct. 11 and 12. Helicopter flights will last 20 minutes and cost $95. A 30-minute flight in the T-6 is $345 plus $50 for aerobatics. The Stearman costs $225 for a 30-minute flight, and the Travel Air $225 for one person and $325 for two.